For many young South Africans, the biggest barrier to getting a job is simple: no experience. The Foschini Group is changing that. Through its YES Youth Opportunity 2026 programme, thousands of young people can gain 12 months of real retail work experience in stores across all nine provinces.
The Foschini Group is recruiting young South Africans for its YES Youth Opportunity Programme 2026. The programme offers a 12-month fixed-term retail work opportunity across all nine provinces for applicants aged 18–28. Matric is preferred but not mandatory. Applications are submitted online through the TFG careers portal.
Breaking into the job market can feel impossible without experience.
But one programme is helping thousands of young South Africans get their first real job opportunity.
Through the national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, TFG is offering unemployed youth a chance to work inside one of the country’s largest retail groups for 12 months of practical experience.
This is not a training simulation.
It is real workplace experience.
A contract. A team. A professional environment.
And for many participants, it becomes the first line of experience on their CV.
What Is the TFG YES Youth Opportunity Programme?
The TFG YES Youth Opportunity is a 12-month employment programme designed to help young South Africans gain their first workplace experience.
Participants work inside retail environments operated by TFG brands such as:
- Foschini
- Markham
- Sportscene
- Totalsports
- Exact
These placements expose participants to real retail operations, including customer service, sales support, and store operations.
The programme runs from:
April 2026 – March 2027
For many participants, the experience becomes a stepping stone into permanent employment opportunities in the retail sector.
Who Can Apply for the Programme?
TFG has designed the programme to remain accessible to youth entering the workforce for the first time.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 28 years old
- Be available for a 12-month fixed-term contract
- Not be studying full-time during the programme period
- Not have previously participated in a YES programme
- Not have been permanently employed by one employer for more than one year
Education Requirement
- Matric is preferred, but it is not a strict requirement.
This means applicants who do not hold additional qualifications may still qualify.
Where Are the Opportunities Available?
One of the biggest advantages of the programme is its national reach.
TFG is recruiting participants across all nine provinces in South Africa, including:
- Gauteng
- Western Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Eastern Cape
- Northern Cape
- North West
- Free State
Applicants can indicate their preferred province or location during the application process.
Why Is the YES Programme Valuable for First-Time Job Seekers?
The biggest challenge facing young job seekers is often the experience gap.
Employers want experience.
But you cannot gain experience without getting hired first.
The YES programme breaks that cycle by giving youth real professional exposure inside established companies.
After completing the programme, participants typically gain:
- 12 months of workplace experience
- Exposure to professional retail operations
- Improved communication and teamwork skills
- Customer service experience
That single year of experience can transform a CV.
What Should You Prepare Before Applying?
Before starting the application process, it helps to have a few things ready.
Prepare the following documents and information:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate or latest school results
- Active email address
- Working phone number
- Preferred province for placement
Accurate contact details are important because recruiters will contact shortlisted candidates directly.
How to Apply for the TFG YES Youth Opportunity
Applications are completed online through the official TFG careers portal.
Step-by-Step Application
- Visit the official TFG careers portal
- Search for “YES – Youth Opportunity”
- Select your preferred province or location
- Complete the online application form
- Submit your application
Direct Application Link:
https://fa-expc-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs?keyword=YES+-+Youth+Opportunity&location=South+Africa
No closing date has been specified. Apply as soon as possible — positions at popular retail locations fill quickly, and early applications receive priority processing.
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Final Thoughts
The TFG YES Youth Opportunity 2026 programme offers something many young South Africans struggle to obtain — their first real workplace experience.
A year inside one of the country’s largest retail groups can build the foundation for future career opportunities.
For youth ready to work, learn, and grow professionally, the programme offers a practical pathway into the retail industry.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to start building your career, submitting an application could be the first step forward.
